Scoop: Signs picked up by Western intelligence have raised alarm in Jerusalem that China may be preparing to assist Iran in reacquiring and expanding its surface-to-surface ballistic missile program- severely damaged in Israeli strikes during the war. In response, Israel has conveyed messages to Beijing over the issue. Tehran has already moved to rebuild this capability on its own, particularly after Hezbollah failed twice to deliver: first in defeat, and again by staying out of the war. According to a senior Israeli official, China has already supplied some dual-use equipment after Israel’s October 2024 strike, but the current concern is broader- relating to the restoration and expansion of Iran’s entire ballistic capability. A second senior Israeli source said Beijing has not confirmed to Israel any such plan and that its intentions remain unclear. Still, the matter is of deep concern to Jerusalem and could carry “significant strategic implications.” I write about this in greater detail in my column in Yediot Ahronot tomorrow.
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